Thakadu River Camp in the Madikwe Game Reserve

Thakadu River Camp is an ecotourism partnership between North-West Parks, the Molatedi Community and the operator, The Nature Workshop. The community has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the Madikwe Game Reserve.

The concept is unique in South Africa in that the community owns the development, with substantial benefits accruing back to the community itself. Thakadu River Camp is set within the riverine canopy along the banks of the Marico River and consists of 12 tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the river. The tents are spacious and are superbly decorated and appointed.

The core of this project’s success lies in its prime location: the Madikwe Game Reserve. This area is located along the Botswana border and 20km from Gaberone, one of the few reserves in southern Africa which is malaria free.

Accommodation

Thakadu River Camp is located on the banks of the Marico River, an exclusive lodge offering a maximum of 24 people a bush experience which is impossible to replicate in larger concerns. The influence of the river is very apparent, with the trees, birds and water providing a peaceful and tranquil mood within the camp.

Thakadu River Camp comprises twelve tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. Of the twelve tented suites, four are family units, each with an extra sleeper couch catering for children.

Activities

Morning and afternoon/evening game-drives in open game-viewing vehicles, bush sundowners and drink stops on the Reserve, visits to hides. Regrettably, due to safety concerns, children under 6 years of age are unable to participate in game-drives (shorter kiddies game drives can be arrange after breakfast).

Effortless

“When I started looking in to safaris for my honeymoon I had no idea which, of the hundreds, would be best. Mark at Taga helped me navigate all the different camps and lodges and quickly replied to every email I sent making us feel happy and secure with our choice.”

- Simon

Predator and Prey!

“Thanks Mark, Taga Safaris Africa connected us with Africa on Foot. We spent three nights with delightful drives and walks. Perhaps the best summary: Predator and Prey! We saw leopards stalking impala, wild dogs chasing impala, hyenas feeding on impala and giraffe, and lions feeding on zebra. Gotta appreciate the life of predators and prey. As to communication and service, when some of our flights were delayed, Mark kept everyone informed and our transfer from the airport worked out without a hitch, despite the flight delays. Much appreciated from our end.”

- Orlando Kelm

Very good planning and help

“The planning was good, and the recommendations were great. The lodges were very nice. The communication could improve, on the planning, and the information could be more personalized, not only re sending information. We had a problem with our visas, but they were really helpful managing a late pick up from the airport so we would be able to catch our Gorilla trecking, even though we arrive late, because of a change in our schedule.”